Draft Handin & Practical Development

While I wait for feedback from my essay, I've been stuck in limbo and unable to continue the project. I sent my monologue to two people for feedback:

Barry Purves said he liked the idea, that I could play more with alliteration and cut to make it punchier. Also, I could make the audience think he'll do one thing, then add in some misdirection.

I edited the monologue afterwards.

Harry Dorrington, Creative Director at Nice Shoes in New York who very kindly took me on as an intern over the Summer, said he liked the monologue but struggled to see why I was animating it and not simply shooting in live action. I thought this was a good point and decided to make the art style incredibly surreal and bold when inside Russell's head, to visually illustrate his frustration and add visual flair unique to animation.

I also changed the character design. I felt a character such as this would dress well and have a bold posture. I am yet to do visual development for how he looks inside his mind.

Barry Purves also generously offered to record his voice for the piece. I am waiting on him to check out the new monologue and let me know when he would be able to record for me.

Worst case scenario, he's too busy and I can get my Dad or something. He's something of a thespian. Either way, I am excited to get making this.

Considering my speech

I've been ploughing on with my essay and refining my speech.

I cut it significantly to a minute or so and I'm much, much happier. Its punchier with more subtext.

I also learned to consider MOTIVATION VS JUSTIFICATION.

MOTIVATION is why a character does what they do
JUSTIFICATION is why they say they do it.

Often a character lies to themselves, either to excuse bad behaviour or because they cannot face their inner selves. I considered this for my character. He is debating rejecting a lifetime achievement award.

MOTIVATION: A fear of death and being forgotten
JUSTIFICATION: He says he can achieve more than they say he can

Anyway, now I must consider cadence, pacing and tone to bring the performance together. I'll first record it myself and then find an old actor to do it, so I may begin animating it on the 19th.

I also did some character design which may need amending but it's a start